Mise en scène. It’s a fancy looking phrase that you’ve seen floating around many film-related articles, carrying with it an immediate sense of snobbery. Don't worry, you're not the first person to ask "what is mise en scene?" After today, you’ll have a better sense of this concept and its fundamentals so you can apply it in your next project. Continue reading What is Mise en Scène in Film: Definition and Examples
The dolly zoom is one of the most discussed cinematic techniques. You can use them in many ways, but a great director will find a logical reason to include them. When paired with the correct story moment, the dolly zoom can draw the audience into the story and the character's state of mind. Continue reading What is a Dolly Zoom — Scene Examples of the Vertigo Effect
Cinematography is the art of crafting visuals for motion pictures. It takes years of practice to cultivate a consistent craft and keen eye for filmmaking. That’s what separates great film cinematography from cliche movie making. Before honing a craft, a deep knowledge of what it entails is critical.Continue reading What is Cinematography? Defining the Art and Craft
Humans are multitaskers. We can listen to the news while doing dishes; we can pat our heads and rub our stomachs; and we can walk and talk. Humans in movies and TV especially love to do the last option. The walk and talk is a strategy used by directors in countless shows and films. Let’s look at how the walk and talk works, where it shows up, and why you may want to use it.Continue reading The Walk and Talk in Film & TV — Writing & Shooting Tips
A call sheet is the backbone of any film, TV, or photo production, providing the critical details everyone needs to stay organized. But for newcomers, the jargon on a call sheet can be confusing. This guide breaks down common call sheet terminology, ensuring you navigate one with confidence.Continue reading Call Sheet Terminology: Your Guide to Film Set Lingo
The allure of the silver screen has captivated many, drawing aspiring filmmakers to pursue their dreams of directing blockbusters or crafting poignant indie films. Yet, as with many artistic careers, the path to success is not clearly defined, leading many to ponder: is film school worth it? This question is particularly pressing in an era where tuition fees are skyrocketing, and the internet offers a plethora of free learning resources. Let's look into the various facets of this debate to provide a clearer picture for those standing at this crossroads. Continue reading Is Film School Worth It — Why You…
Every camera movement should be chosen with intention and purpose. For that reason, it is important for every filmmaker to understand the fundamental effects of every camera movement available. One of the most effective movements, specifically when it comes to capturing location and setting, is the boom shot. The boom shot goes by many names such as the jib shot or crane shot. It is one of the camera movements that almost immediately adds production value to a film. What is a boom shot and what are its unique storytelling functions? Continue reading What is a Boom Shot? Camera Shot…
The internet is chock full of video content. The challenge remains: how can YOU create content that will cut through all the noise? The best drone footage is how. Imagine if I told you about a way your content could literally SOAR above all the rest with one easy to find tool? That tool? The drone, of course! Let's find out why.Continue reading Epic Drone Shots Mashup: The Best Drone Footage
Euphoria is one of the most popular shows on television, and its success is in large part due to its distinct visual style. The Euphoria cinematography became iconic right from its pilot, and its influence can be seen in many shows and films that have come in its wake. Euphoria’s singular look comes from a confluence of cinematic techniques, from bold lighting choices to unexpected camera movement. In this post, we’ll break down the factors that make up Euphoria’s visual approach, and tell you how you can achieve it on your next project.Continue reading Euphoria Cinematography Analysis — Lighting, Movement, and…
What is motion blur? Why does it happen? Is motion blur good? And, how can we control it? We will be answering all of these questions and taking a look at both the technical and creative side of this process in both filmmaking and photography. Before we get into creative applications like aesthetic blur, and before we look at how to get motion blur or how to create motion blur, let’s get started with a definition.Continue reading What is Motion Blur, Is Motion Blur Good & Why Does it Happen?
